Touch 'Em All: Canada and Mexico brawl in World Baseball Classic

Why can't we be friends? Mexico catcher Sebastian Valle exchanges thoughts with Canada's Pete Orr and Rene Tosoni during a fight at the World Baseball Classic. (Getty)

By Michael Harrington, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: March 10, 2013

Mexico played Canada in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday, and as you might suspect, a hockey game broke out (with a strong element of Broad Street Bullies thrown in), followed by a bit of soccer hooliganism from the crowd in Phoenix.

Good thing these two usually have the United States to separate them.

Oh yeah, Canada won in a romp, 10-3, essentially eliminating Mexico from the tournament.

It all started when Canada catcher Chris Robinson bunted for a hit in the top of the ninth, with a six-run lead. (Normally against the unwritten rules, but a WBC tiebreaker relies heavily on runs scored.)

Mexico third baseman Luis Cruz, peeved, motioned to pitcher Arnold Leon to put the next one in batter Rene Tosoni's ribs.

Leon missed twice, drawing a warning to both dugouts. He then plunked Tosoni square in the back on the third try, and the melee was on like Donkey Kong.

This was not your usual swing-your-partner baseball bench-clearer - there were real haymakers thrown and the police had to come onto the field.

Several Phillies featured in the fisticuffs, most prominently Canada outfielder Tyson Gillies, who tossed Mexico reliever Alfredo Aceves in a Haystacks Calhoun move, then dived back into the scrum for more.

Another Fightin' Phil involved in the tussle was Mexico catcher Sebastian Valle (whose major-league teammate, Canada pitcher Phillippe Aumont, sent out this tweet to Phillies fans: "How about Sebastian Valle swinging at people with his catchers mask. #stupid").

And among the seven players ejected was Canada's Pete Orr, a familiar face at Citizens Bank Park and in Lehigh Valley IronPigs garb.

Once order on the field was restored, Mexico fans threw debris at the Canada dugout, hitting pitching coach Denis Boucher. A Canada player tried to go into the stands, but was stopped.

After play restarted, a ball was thrown from the stands, missing Canada first base coach, Larry Walker.